Methods for recording and reproducing information

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for recording and reproducing data with respect to closely spaced magnetically recording areas or tracks of a magnetic recording member such as a card, tape or magnetic disc wherein scanning, tracking and reproduction functions are controlled by electro-optically scanning markers or indicia which are predeterminately recorded with respect to the magnetic recordings of the record member. Signals generated when such electro-optically scannable markers are detected are employed to control either or both the functions of selectively tracking and locating a magnetic transducer with respect to a select recording area or track of the magnetic record member and selectively controlling magnetic reproduction of information from the select recording area by either controlling the driving of the magnetic transducer mount or the operation of the transducer as it scans a select portion of the recording area or track along which it scans. In a particular method, the recording surface of the record member is pre-formed with track positional indicating indicia by molding or pressing, after which select magnetic data are recorded by control signals generated by electro-optically detecting such indicia, generating detection signals and employing same to control such recording of primary data. The invention also includes improvements in the structures of record members used with the apparatus and methods disclosed.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/674,667, filed Mar. 25,1991, now abandoned, which is a division of application Ser. No.07/262,942, filed Oct. 24, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,706.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a high density data recording and reproductionsystem and method, and in particular to such an apparatus and methodemploying magnetic recording for primary data and electro-opticallyscannable recording of codes or markers indicative of the locations ofrespective frames or blocks of such primary data on the record member.As a result, conventional magnetic recording and reproductiontransducers may be employed at low cost while high densityelectro-optical reproduction transducers may be employed to properlylocate select magnetic recording areas for either selectivelymagnetically recording data thereon and/or selectively magneticallyreproducing data therefrom.

It is known in the art to record data magnetically on magnetic recordingmembers such as tape, discs, drums, cards or sheets of magneticrecording material by effecting proper relative scanning movementbetween one or more magnetic transducers and such magnetic recordingmaterial. It is also known to effect high density electro-opticalrecording on a record member by either utilizing a laser to scan andgenerate cavities or pits or to chemically change select minute portionsof the record member or by utilizing a molding technique whereby pits orcavities defining code formations are rapidly and inexpensivelyimpressed along select portions of one or more record tracks of a recordmember made of or containing a film of thermoplastic recording materialwhich may be so molded. Both techniques have certain advantages andheretofor have been used separately to advantage but without utilizingthe respective advantages of each technique,

The instant invention employs both electro-optically scannablerecordings and magnetic recordings on a record member with an apparatuscapable of at least scanning the electro-optical recordings andgenerating code and control signals therefrom and recording orreproducing magnetic recordings adjacent to the electro-opticalrecordings for selectively recording and obtaining data which ismagnetically recorded by conventional low cost magnetic recording means.The use of electro-optically scannable recording for indicating thelocations of select data which is magnetically recorded on a recordmember, has a number of advantages, a primary of which is that suchrecordings occupy substantially less space than conventional magneticrecordings of the same byte density and, in one instance, may beprovided immediately over the magnetic recordings or immediatelyadjacent thereto so as to save a considerable amount of recording area.Furthermore, the electro-optically scannable indicia may be preformed orotherwise recorded in the outer surface of the record member by moldingor pressing same therein prior to effecting magnetic recordings of datawhich may be precisely recorded at select locations with respect to thepreformed optical recordings by electro-optically scanning the latterwith electro-optical scanning means which is fixed next to the magneticrecording means and utilizing the signals generated by such indiciascanning to precisely locate the magnetically recorded data.

While the record members illustrated in the drawings are rectangularsheets or cards containing magnetic recording material withparallel-record tracks which are closely spaced and extend parallel tolateral or longitudinal edges of the sheets or cards, they may compriseother magnetic recording members such as flexible magnetic tape, rigidor flexible (floppy) magnetic discs which define either closely spacedconcentric magnetic record tracks or a closely spaced spiral magnetictrack with one or more micro-depressions or cavities formed therein bymolding or pressing their surfaces with a die or by means of machiningwith a laser beam. Such microdepressions may define single or multipletrack and/or recording locating indicia which may be scanned to generatesignals for precisely locate the recording track or tracks containingselect data recordings and/or select data recorded therealong. Tofurther increase the density of recording and reduce the spacing betweenmagnetic record tracks, a single track of indicia in the form of asingle microchannel or a series of arrays of parallel code definingseries bit codes may be formed along a single narrow track adjacent eachmagnetic track at a side thereof or directly thereabove to beelectro-optically scanned and read while a magnetic head records on orreproduces from the magnetic track directly therebeneath or laterallydisplaced therefrom. Such microchannel or track containingelectro-optically scannable recordings may also be provided along thespacing between parallel adjacent magnetic recording tracks as its widthmay be less than the width of the magnetic record tracks and the spacingrequired therebetween.

Accordingly it is a primary object of this invention to provide a newand improved apparatus and method for effecting high density datarecordings on record members.

Another object is to provide a high density data recording system andmethod employing both electro-optical scanning means and magneticrecording and reproduction means to advantage.

Another object is to provide a high density recording and reproductionsystem and method in which frames or blocks of primary data aremagnetically recorded and respective codes locating such frames and/ordefining the contents thereof, are provided as high densityelectro-optically scannable recordings such as impressions, cavities orpits formed in a thin layer of thermoplastic recording material adjacentmagnetic recording material.

Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for magneticallytransducing information with respect to a magnetic record member whichrecord member is predeterminately coded in a manner to define selectedrecording locations and selected information recorded thereon whereinsuch recordings are capable of being sensed or read without theengagement of a transducer or bank of transducers against the recordmember, thereby substantially reducing the wear and attrition to therecord member.

Another object is to provide a method for selectively recordinginformation on a magnetic record member by preforming the record memberwith a multitude of microcavities which define codes extending alongselected portions of the record member, which codes areelectro-optically scannable and may be utilized to precisely locate andeffect the recording of information along selected tracks of the recordmember as well as the reproduction of selected information from selectedtracks or selected portions of selected tracks of the record member.

Another object is to provide new and improved structures in recordmembers, such as thin, flexible magnetic record cards, discs and tapes,which structures permit the high density recording of information on therecord members and the selective reproduction of selected informationfrom the high density recordings thereof.

Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for recordinginformation on and reproducing such information from closely spaced,parallel record tracks of a thin, flexible magnetic recording cardwherein such apparatus is relatively simple in structure and relativelyeasy to operate.

Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for preciselylocating closely spaced record tracks of a record member such as amagnetic card both for the purposes of effecting magnetic recordings onselected tracks of the record member and selectively reproducingselected information from selected tracks thereof.

Another object is to provide a system and method for providing very highdensity magnetic recordings on a magnetic record member along closelyspaced parallel tracks thereof wherein precision means of provided foraligning one or more transducers with selected tracks of the recordmembers and for attaining alignment with selected recordings on suchselected tracks without the need to attain contact of the transducerswith the record member except when aligned with selected recordingsthereon.

Another object is to provide a magnetic recording system and method forselectively recording and reproducing very hitch density recordings withrespect to record members without the need to precisely locate therecord members on a support for transducing relative thereto.

Another object is to provide a system and method for selectivelyreproducing information from selected tracks of a multiple trackmagnetic record member wherein electro-optical scanning means is firstemployed to control relative positioning of a reproduction transducerand the record member and magnetic transducing means is operablethereafter to effect the selective reproduction of information in thevicinity of location of the record member defined by electro-opticallyscannable recordings.

Another object is to provide a relatively low cost and simplified systemand method for effecting high density magnetic recordings along closelyspaced record tracks of a magnetic recoding member and for selectivelyreproducing selected of such high density recordings.

Another object is to provide a relatively low cost system and method forprecisely aligning a magnetic record card and transducing means byscanning code recordings provided along opposite ends of the recordmember in alignment with selected tracks of the card.

With the above and such other objects in view as may hereinafter morefully appear, the invention consists of the novel constructions,combinations, arrangements of parts and methods as will hereinafter bemore fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, butit is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may beresorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rectangular magnetic record card or sheethaving both electro-optically scannable recordings for locating framesor groups of information recorded along tracks thereof and magneticrecordings of such track located information as well as means foraligning and retaining the card aligned on a support.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the upper right hand cornerof the record card of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial view with parts broken away for clarity of a portionof the card of FIG. 1, a support therefor and a transducing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an end view in cross section of a portion of a record cardhaving micro-recordings molded or embossed in the surface stratum of thecard as micro-cavities and micro-protrusions.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a first form of card transducingapparatus; FIG. 1A is an isometric of a modified part of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an ismoetric view of a modified form of card transducingapparatus;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electronic control system forcontrolling the transducing apparatus of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a subsystem for aligning a record cardand transducing transport;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electronic control system forcontrolling the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a code track transducing arrangement;

FIG. 11 shows a modified form of FIG. 10 and

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system for controllingvertical movement of the transducer of FIGS. 1-6 during a transducingoperation.

FIG. 1 illustrates one form of magnetic record member 10 in the shape ofa rectangular or square record card having a central rectangularmagnetic recording area 11 containing a multitude of closely spacedparallel record tracks 12. While the record tracks 12 may each containinformation in the form of digital code signals, such as signalsdefining alpha-numeric characters such as words, phrases and sentences,such signals may also define pictorial and graphical information indigital or analog form. Notations 11A-11D denote the borders of area 11.

The record member 10 may be one of a multitude of such record memberswhich are supported in a stacked array by means of a suitable bin orrack support or may be stored within respective envelopes or jacketsmade of thin, flexible plastic sheet material and removable from theirjackets either by means of an automatically operated device or manually.

The central recording portion 11 of the record member may contain asuitable magnetic recording material, such as chromium dioxide which mayalso extend across the entire surface of the record member permittingsuch record member to be produced from a coil formation of thin sheet orfilm stock material by die cutting same from the coil formation thereof,thereby providing a relatively inexpensive record medium.

Surrounding the central record portion 11 of the record member 10 is arectangular strip area containing optically scannable marks or codespreferably embossed or molded along respective strip-like areas 17 and18 which extend parallel to the record tracks 12 and define the lateralborders of the magnetic recording area 11 while parallelly extendingstrip-like areas 19 and 20 join the end portions of the strip-like areas17 and 18.

Surrounding the strip-like areas 17, 18, 19 and 20 are respective borderportions of the record member 10 denoted 13, 14, 15, and 16. Borderportion 13 at the upper end of the record card 10 extends parallel tothe parallely extending record tracks 12 of the central recordingportion 11 while border portions 15 and 16 define front and rear ends ofthe record member and extend normal to the border portions 13 and 14 andthe parallel record tracks 12 of the central recording portion 11. Fourholes H are formed in the corners of the record member 10 and may beutilized, together with additional holes extending along the borderportions 15 and 16, to align the record member on a magnetic transducingdevice, such as a table, platen or a conveyor to simplify and permit thetransducing of information with respect to the central magneticrecording area 11 of the record member 10. Additionally, as illustratedhereafter, any one or more of the edge portions of the rectangularrecord card 10 may be V-notched by die cutting indentations 16V whichserve to permit the rapid alignment of the record card in a transducingdevice so that one or more magnetic transducers may be rapidly locatedwith respect to one or more of the tracks 12 of the central portion 11by driving the edge containing such V-notches into engagement withsimilarly shaped V-protrusions of a holding device, such as a drum orflat platen.

Further details of the magnetic record member 10 of FIG. 1 areillustrated in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 2. The strip-likeportions 17 and 19 at the upper left hand corner of the central magneticrecording area 11 are shown each containing respective parallel bitcodes 17C and 19C which preferably extend the entire length of thestrip-like portions 17 and 19 and respectively define incrementalportions or frames of each of the parallel record tracks 12 and thelateral locations of such record track. If the codes 17C and 19C aremolded, punched or embossed along the strip-like portions 17 and 19 ofthe record member 10, they may be utilized to automatically locateselected record tracks as well as longitudinal portions thereof and tocontrol relative movement between one or more magnetic transducers andsuch tracks to permit the recording of information on or reproduction ofinformation from such selected tracks or selected portions thereof in acontrol procedure which does not involve contact of a transducer orgroup of transducers against the surface of the record member-duringeach recording or reproduction operation.

While the codes 17C and 19C, illustrated as extending along thoseportions of the code strip areas 17 and 19 which are adjacent theborders 11A and 11B of the central, rectangular, track containingrecording area 11 of the card 10, and shown as parallel bit codespreferably formed of embossed micro-cavities or micro-protrusions, areshown as equi-spaced from each other in the longitudinal directionsalong their respective record strips, certain modifications may beeffected in such code recordings disposed along the strip portions 17and 19 of the record member. For example, while each of the codes 17C isillustrated as a parallel bit code which defines, for example, aparticular coordinate or distance along the record strip 17 from the endor border 11A of the recording area 11, single marker pulse recordingsmay be disposed between spaced-apart parallel codes and may be countedtherebetween during scanning as may similar bit recordings be interposedbetween parallel codes extending along areas 19-20 to indicate thelocations of respective of the tracks 12. Also, since the entire surfaceof the record member 10 is preferably coated or-made of magneticrecording material, such as chromium dioxide, code recordings may alsobe provided between or adjacent the parallel code recordings 17C and 19Cof the code strip areas 17 and 19, which code recordings may be madeafter the record card 10 is formed, as described, by die cutting andembossing the parallel micro-cavities or protrusions therein definingthe codes 17C and 19C. Such latter magnetic code recordings may beeffected, for example, by one or more magnetic transducers supported bythe same mount which supports the main transducer or transducersemployed to record and reproduce primary information along the track 12of the record member and may define, for example, codes which indicatethe nature of the material recorded adjacent thereto so as to simplifyor improve the automatic search and transducing functions associatedwith the main or primary information recorded along the record tracks12.

In yet another form of the recording arrangement provided on the recordmember 10, it is noted that micro-embossings as a plurality of cavities19A or protrusions 19P defining bit or parallel codes may also beprovided at equi-spaced or selected locations of the recording area 11,such as at equal spacings along each of the record tracks 12 thereof orbetween each or a select number of such record tracks, so as to providea means for searching and attaining selected recording areas of suchrecord tracks for selectively magnetically recording frame or otherinformation along selected portions of the record track byelectro-optically scanning such topographic recordings with one or moreelectro-optical transducers supported by the mount supporting the maininformation recording transducer. It is also noted that frame orinformation location recordings may also be provided magnetically alongportions of each of the record tracks 12 between adjacent portionsthereof containing primary information to be derived by contact oroperative coupling of the main magnetic reproduction transducer with therecord member. Such magnetic code recording may be reproduced from therecord tracks 12 after the main magnetic reproduction transducer orpickup has been properly located with respect to the selected track ofthe recording area 11 by scanning the code recordings provided along thecode recording areas 17 and 19 as will be described hereafter, in orderto effect a coarse prepositioning of the magnetic pickup with a portionof the record track immediately in advance of that portion of the recordtrack containing the information desired to be reproduced therefrom. Inother words, the code information existing, for example, along therecord tracks 17 and 19 is first electro-optically scanned and thesignals derived are employed, by means of suitable comparator electroniccircuits, to effect relative prepositioning of the magnetic pickup witha selected record track and a portion thereof in advance of the selectedportion of the track containing the information desired, whereafter thetransducer is moved into operative engagement or coupling with theselected track whereafter it continues to move and reproduce recordingsthereon including code recordings indicative of recorded informationabout to be scanned by the pickup during the continued relativemovement, which latter code recordings may then be employed to controlthe selected reproduction of the desired information to the exclusion ofother information recorded along the selected record track which themagnetic transducer is scanning.

Lateral border portions 15 and 16 of the rectangular magnetic recordingsheet or card 10 are provided free of code or information recording andare sufficiently wide to permit engagement with drive and grippingmeans, such as drive wheels associated with the transducing device whichsupports the record card or sheet during a transducing operation. Borderportion 13 at the top of the record card is preferably dimensioned andis sufficiently wide to permit movement of the record card by means of asuitable gripper or drive roll arrangement into and out of the storagedevice for the card, the transducing apparatus and, if employed, ajacket or envelope in which the card is stored to protect it from dust,dirt and handling damage.

Notation H refers to holes punched along the borders of the record sheetor card 10, which holes may be utilized to preposition and retain thecard in storage as well as in the transducing apparatus which isoperable to transduce recordings with respect to the record track 12thereof and, in certain instances, with respect to the code recordingtracks described. The holes H extending along the border portions 15 and16 may be employed, for example, to effect controlled driving movementof the card by engagement therein of the teeth of respective drivesprocket wheels.

While scanning the code strip areas 17 and 19 may suffice to providecode signals indicative of the location of a magnetic transducer withrespect to the card 10, additional code strips 18 and 20 are alsoprovided which respectively extend parallel to the code strips 18 and 20along opposite sides of the recording area 11. Such strips 18 and 20 mayeach contain the same parallel code recordings which extend respectivelyalong the strips 17 and 19 with each similar code recording beingdirectly aligned with a respective code recording of the opposite stripto serve as a means for checking alignment of the record card 10 withrespect to the transport mechanism for the magnetic transducing head orheads operable to transduce primary information along the tracks 12. Forexample, if the magnetic transducing apparatus includes aligned banks ofphotoelectric detectors, including one bank operable to scan codesrecorded on track 17 and the other for scanning codes recorded alongtrack 18, suitable electronic logic circuitry such as a plurality of ANDgates may be employed for comparing each code signal as it is reproducedfrom one of the code strip areas with the code reproduced simultaneouslytherewith from the other strip area. If such codes match at a comparatorelectronic circuit to which they are passed, then it can readily beassumed that the card or record member 10 is properly aligned withrespect to the transducing apparatus. If there is a variation in thecode signals so produced and simultaneously applied to the comparatorcircuit, then it can be assumed that the parallel record tracks 12 andthe record member 10 are not properly aligned in the transducingapparatus wherein. such misalignment may be easily detected and employedto generate a control signal for preventing further operation of thetransducing apparatus for warning the operator of such misalignment.

In FIG. 3 is shown a basic scanning arrangement relative to a recordcard 10 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a portion of which isshown which includes the border portion 15, the code record portion orrectangular area 11 containing the parallel primary information recordtracks 12. The apparatus includes a support or table 30 for recordmember 10 having a recess 31 formed in the upper surface thereof andshaped to properly support a rectangular record member 10 in lateralalignment within such recess after being fed thereto by a plurality ofpowered rollers, one of which is denoted 39 and is illustrated. Suchplurality of rollers not only drives the record member 10 through therecess 31 but maintains it against the upper flat surface 31S thereof inpredetermined alignment to permit a movable support 41 forming part ofthe transducing apparatus 40, to properly move and carry the transducersadjacent the upper surface 10S of the record member 10 to permit therecording area 11 to be properly scanned in either the act of recordinginformation along a selected portion thereof or reproducing informationrecorded on one or more selected portions thereof.

The movable support 41 includes a support for a bank 42 of photoelectricdetectors 42C which are closely spaced and are operable to detectreflected light from the light source 41L which is supported by thesupport 41 immediately adjacent the housing for the photoelectric celland is operable to project light against the upper surface of the recordmember 10 which is in alignment with the photoelectric cells 42C.

The code recording strip portion 19 of the record member 10 isillustrated as containing a plurality of cavities 19CA which defineparallel codes, each of which is provided in alignment with a respectiveof the parallel record tracks 12 of the recording area 11, therebydefining the locations of the ends of such parallel record tracks.Supported adjacent the row or line of photoelectric detectors 42C and inpredetermined alignment therewith, is a magnetic recording transducer 44which is movable from a retracted position, as illustrated, to aprojected position whereby its operating end 45 either operativelyengages a select portion of a selected record track 12 or is disposedimmediately adjacent thereto at a distance to permit it to thereafterreproduce the code signal extending along the selected record track andimmediately adjacent the selected portion of the record member. Themagnetic transducer 44 is thus slidably or otherwise movably supportedon its housing 43 and may be projected into operative engagement orlocation with respect to the upper surface 10S of the record member 10by means of a solenoid, air operated piston or other suitable meanscontrolled by a microprocessor or computer receiving the code signalsoutput by cells 42C.

In another form of scanning, each of the photoelectric detectors 42C ofthe bank 42 thereof may contain its own miniature light source, such asa solid state laser supported at the center of the photodetector andoperable to transmit a narrow beam of light, parallel to the beams ofthe other cells 42C so as to intersect a particular code record track ofthe code recording strip area 19 and to provide variations in the lightreceived by the respective photoelectric cell when intersecting thecavities or protrusions in CA provided along the code strip 19. In FIG.3 a single light source 41L illuminates the code strip and the codedefining formations or cavities thereof to provide reflected light forthe cells 42C which light is diffused when the code formations 19C comeinto alignment with respective of the cells and may therefore be used todetect the code by varying the light received by the cells each time aparallel code recording is aligned with and scanned by the bank ofcells.

While the record card 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be made of anysuitable plastic or metal, in a preferred form of the invention it ismade of a polyester plastic base, such as Mylar, coated with a suitablemagnetic recording material such as chromium dioxide. Preferreddimensions of a typical record card and the recordings thereon are notedas follows:

(a) overall card dimensions-8"×8".

(b) border strip areas 13-16 are between 1/2" to 1" wide.

(c) Code strip areas 17-19 are between 1/8"×1/4" wide.

(d) Thickness of sheet or card- 0.001".

Hole punchings H may extend completely along the lateral borders of thecard or at the four corners of the card as illustrated and either orboth the leading and trailing edges may be V-notched for centering andlocating the card with respect to a flat or cylindrically shapedsupporting surface to permit proper transducing by means of a bridgecrane supported transducer or array of such transducers or a pivottedand lineally movable arm supporting such transducer.

The code containing strip areas 17, 18, 19 and 20 preferably containssuch parallel codes embossed in the surface stratum of the record cardalong such areas by means of a precision heated die although such coderecordings may also be recorded by injection molding same or the actionof a laser, the beam or beams of which are intensity modulated anddeflection controlled by signals generated by a computer as controlledrelative movement is effected between the beam or beams and the recordcard in the desired direction or directions to effect the parallel coderecording along the code recording strip areas of the card. Utilizingsuch a thin sheet of card recording material, a plurality of such sheetsmay be stacked one above the other and aligned such that, when intenseradiation beam or group of such beams generated by one or more lasersare caused to intersect the outermost card, it will penetrate and effectrecordings of similar nature along the plurality of cards or sheetsdisposed immediately adjacent thereto by penetrating each of such sheetswith the exception of the last sheet to be recorded on. Suchpenetrations or holes may be spaced apart and configured as to definethe described electro-optically readable code recordings along the codetracks 19 and 20 in alignment with respective of the primary informationrecord tracks 12 and on the lateral tracks 17 and 18 aligned with frameand/or coordinate locations of the magnetic recording area 11 of thecard of FIG. 1.

As indicated above, micro-cavities may be formed in a master die or moldby means of a pulsed laser beam modulated with suitable coded electricalsignals defining the track and coordinate or frame locations of therecord member 10 which beam may form microscopic cavities or pits whichare a fraction to several microns or more in width and 0.2 to 1.0microns or more in depth wherein the spacings between micro-cavitiesand/or the lengths thereof define the code recordings as digital binarycodes which are machine readable by photodetection means detectingreflected or laser light and its diffusion by the micro-cavities togenerate coded electrical signals which may be computer or comparatoranalyzed and employed for control purposes as described. If the codetrack strips 17-20 are 1/8" to 1/4" wide, the parallel codes recordedacross the width thereof may be composed of pits, cavities and/orprotrusions which are spaced substantial distances apart compared totheir individual widths to permit them to be scanned by respective ofthe photodetectors of the bank of detectors 42C each of which detectorsis positioned to scan a respective width or track of the track strips17-20. When the mold or die so formed is used for injection molding aplastic record card or portion thereof or to emboss cavities orprotrusions in sheet or card stock of magnetic recording material itwill form such strip-like areas with respective arrays of parallelelectro-optically scannable codes equispaced or otherwise providedadjacent the central magnetic recording area 11 of the card.

In FIG. 4 is shown a modified form of the magnetic record memberdescribed denoted 10A and having a code record track or rectangularstrip area, the code recordings along which are defined by bothmicro-cavities 19 A and micro-protursions 19P or either of suchformations defining by their spacings and/or lengths parallel binarycode recordings which may be electro-optically scanned as described andemployed to locate grid or coordinate locations of the recording area 11of the card including the locations of respective of the tracks 12thereof.

If the entire record member 10 is coated with a magnetic recordingmaterial, then the recording areas 17-20 containing the describedtopographical variations may also contain magnetic recordings of codeswhich may be prerecorded and/or recorded when or after the record tracks12 are recorded with primary information, wherein such magnetic coderecordings may define cross referencing information for finding selectedprimary information recorded on the card or may also define codes foreffecting fine control of the movement of the transducer amount inattaining predetermined location of the transducer thereof with respectto a selected track and selected information recorded thereon.

In another form of the recording arrangement described, suchmicro-cavities and/or protrusions defining parallel codes may beembossed or molded along selected of the tracks 12, adjacent selected ofsuch tracks or at selected frame locations of each of the tracks to bescanned as described and used to properly locate the magnetictransducer(s) for recording and/or reproducing selected informationalong selected portiosn of selected tracks of the card.

The scanning assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. 3 may be supportedfor movement across the upper surface of the table or base 30 while therecord member 10 is secured flat against such flat surface between aplurality of side guides for the edges of the card shaped record member,one of which guides 32 is shown having an inner surface extendingparallel to a similar surface across the table for aligning the parallelstraight edges 15A and 16A of the card on the table top while thepowered rollers 39 maintain the card flat against the upper surface 31Sof the table 31. Solenoid operated fingers or grippers supported at thesides of the central portion of the table 31 containing the surface 31Smay also be used to hold the card or sheet 10 flat against surface 31S.The lateral edges 13A and 14A of the sheet 10 may also be aligned onsurface 31A by means of stops or bars which are operable toautomatically project and retract with respect to the surface 31S toengage either or both edges 13A and 14A of the card or sheet.

The support for the transducing assembly 40 may comprise a bridge-cranetype of mount supported at its ends by wheeled or sliding carriagestravelling respective parallel rails or guides supported at the sides ofthe rectangular table or its support while the transducer head assemblywhich is illustrated in FIG. 3 may be movable back and forth across theguideway or track of the bridge which is supported by said carriagesabove the upper surface 31S of the table 31. Reversible, controlled gearmotors may be employed to power drive the bridge back and forth acrossthe table and to power drive the transducer assembly back and forthacross the bridge track at high speed with the head 44 retracted untilsignals generated by the photodetectors 42C of the bank 42 indicate thatthe transducer head end 45 is in alignment with a selected track orselected portion of a selected track of the card after which thesolenoid or motor driving the transducer causes it to engage the uppersurface of the card to transduce the selected recording therefrom untilit is automatically retracted upon completion of the selected scanningoperation.

The transducing assembly 40 may also be supported for selective movementacross the upper surface 31S of the table on a pivoted mount supportingan elongated arm or assembly on which the assembly 40 is supported topermit the attainment of polar coordinate locations of the record cardby the controlled rotation of the arm and its end assembly 40 and thecontrolled back and forth movement of the arm assembly with respect tothe pivoted mount employing controlled reversible gear motors and/orinch worm motors for such movements.

If the card is disposed slightly skewed on the table top surface 31Ssuch skew may be indicated by processing the signals generated by meansof banks of electro-optical transducers such as 42C located in directalignment with each other at opposite ends of the bridge supporting thetransducer head assembly and adapted to simultaneously scan the parallelcodes extending along the code strip areas 19 and 20. The degree of suchskew may be electronically detected and determined by substracting oradding the numerical values of the codes which are simultaneouslygenerated by such electro-optical detectors scanning the strip areas 19and 20. The difference signals my be employed to effect correction ofthe skew condition so that the transducer or transducers scanning theselected track of the card may effect such scanning if the skewcondition is such as to cause the transducer assembly to travel at anangle to the selected track wherein the operating end of the transducertravels off the track before the end of the recording or recordingportion of the track is scanned thereby. Such correction may be effectedby using such difference signals to automatically control operation ofone or more motors which drive one or more of the table 31, card 10 ormount 40 through an angle necessary to align the transducer mount ortransport with the parallel tracks of the card or record member.

In FIG. 5 is shown further details of a first form of record cardsupport and transducer transport applicable for receiving andprepositioning a record card of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2with a flat surface thereof and for guiding a transducer in movement toand along a select track of the parallel tracks 12 and transducing withrespect to either a select portion of such selected track or a selectedrecording provided as one of a number of recordings along the selectedtrack. The transducer transport is of the bridge crane type.

The transducing apparatus 100 includes a support 111 in the form of arectangular housing or solid block of metal or stone such as granitesupporting a table 112 which is preferably a rigid housing or solidplate of metal having formed along its lateral border portionsrespective linear indentations, one of which is illustrated and denoted133. Each of the indentations contains a toothed track or rack 133 suchas a fine toothed spur gear secured to one of the walls of theindentations, The toothed rack 134 illustrated in FIG. 5 is secured tothe bottom wall of the elongated opening 134 in the lateral edge of thetable 112. A similar fine spur gear or rack is secured to the bottomwall of a slotted opening formed in the opposite lateral wall of table112' and the teeth of the two racks are engaged by respective toothedwheels or pinions supported by respective verticals of a bridgesupporting the transducer assembly for lineal movement along suchbridge. Notations 113 and 114 define such vertical supports for alateral guideway 115 secured therebetween for guiding a carriage 120containing a plurality of transducers 122 and 123 adapted to scanrecordings provided along the parallel tracks 12 of a record member 10which is centrally disposed on the upper surface 130 of the table 112. Asingle gear motor 117 is supported by the vertical support 114 and isconnected through suitable gears and shafting to drive the two wheels orspur gears which ride in the toothed racks, one of such spur gears 116being illustrated as adapted to have its teeth ride in rack 134supported to the bottom wall of the slotted opening 133 in the side wallof the table 130. The other toothed wheel which is supported by thevertical support 113 at the other side of the table may be connected tothe output shaft of the gear motor 117 by means of suitable gears andshafts extending to the interiors of the housings defining the verticals113 and 114 and the lateral column or trackway 115 joining the verticalhousings 113 and 114 together. Suitable ball or roller bearing supportedwheels may be supported for rotation by the housings 113 and 114 topermit rolling movement of the assembly supported thereby along theupper surfaces of the main housing 111 or suitable ways or trackssupported thereby and extending parallel to the lateral sides of thetable 112.

The transducer carriage assembly 120 supports a mount 121 for aplurality of location sensing transducers 122 and one or more primaryinformation recording and reproduction transducers denoted 123. If thelocation sensors 122 are photoelectric detectors of the type provided,for example, in the scanning arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3 a singlebi-stable actuator motor or solenoid 124 supported by the mount 121 maybe utilized to project and retract the transducer or transducers 123into and out of engagement with the selected track of a record membersupported on the upper surface 130 of the table 112 to permit suchtransducer or transducers to scan the selected track at least along aselected portion thereof. If the transducers defining the bank 122 aremagnetic pickups adapted to sense magnetic recordings of coordinatelocating codes disposed along the described border code strip areas 17and 18 or along the tracks 12 of the magnetic recording portion 11 ofthe record card, then either the same bi-stable actuator or solenoid 124or an auxiliary solenoid supported adjacent thereto, may be employed toadvance the parallel code reading transducers 122 into engagement withthe surface of the magnetic record member supported on the upper surface130 of the table and to retract same therefrom immediately after theselected recording or selected portion of the selected track has beentransduced.

A reversible gear motor 125 is shown supported by the carriage 120A andhas its output shaft not shown! coupled to a toothed wheel which isadapted to engage a toothed rack not shown! similar to the rack 134 andsupported within a slotted opening 127 formed in the top wall of thelateral guideway 115 for receiving the spurgear drive wheel connected tothe output shaft of the reversible motor 125 and for effecting lateralwheeled or sliding movement of the carriage 120 back and forth along thelateral guideway 115. Also illustrated is a flexible cable 126containing wires which connect the transducers 122, 123, the solenoid oractuator 124 and the motor 125 with external controls and powersupplies. Such cable 126 may be connected to a self winding fixturesupported within the vertical housing 114 to maintain it taut at alltimes as the carriage 120 moves back and forth along the guideway 115.An extension 120A of the carriage 120 supports the shaft geared to theoutput shaft of motor 125 and, at its other end, to a second shaft notshown! to which the described spurgear is secured for engaging the teethof the rack located within the lateral guide 115 and driving thecarriage 120 back and forth along 115.

Supported along the bottom wall of the lateral guideway 115 near theends thereof are respective banks of transducers denoted 128 and 129,the transducers of which may comprise photoelectric detectors of thetype provided in FIG. 3 for scanning code defining micro-cavities formedin the parallel code strip portions 19 and 20 of a record card disposedagainst the upper surface 130A of the table 130. If the code strip areas19 and 20 of the record card contain magnetic recordings of suchcoordinate and track locating codes, the transducers defining the banks128 and 129 may either be spring mounted and adapted to engagerespective tracks of the code strip areas 19 and 20 whenever the recordcard 10 is disposed beneath the bridge supporting the transducercarriage 120. Alternatively, the transducers defining the banks 128 and129 thereof may also be supported for movement on respective mounts andoperatively move into engagement with respective of the parallel codetrack strip areas 19 and 20 by means of respective bi-stable solenoidsor activators which are fixedly supported on mounts adjacent to thebottom wall of the lateral guideway assembly 115.

Illustrated as supported in alignment with respective ends of the table112 are respective conveyor assemblies 140 and 144, each operable torespectively feed a record card to one end of the table 112 and toreceive a record card fed from such table after a transducing operationwith respect to the recordings of the record card. Conveyor 140 issupported by a frame or table 140A and comprises an endless belt 141having a central portion 142 and a pair of raised parallel ribs 143 and143A between which a record is disposed by manual or machine meansagainst the upper surface of the central portion 142. The conveyor beltis driven by a suitable motor to drive a record card disposed againstthe central portion 142 thereof beneath drive rolls or wheels 135 and135A which are rotationally supported at the end of the table 112 andpower rotated against the border portions of the record card andoperable to drive such record card to a transducing location asillustrated in FIG. 5. Once the record card is so located against theupper surface 130 of the table 112 with the far end of the record card10 engaged between rollers not shown! similar to rollers 135 and 135A atthe far end of the record table, an automatic transducing operation maybe effected, as described, by driving the bridge assembly including thelateral guideway 115 along the guides therefor causing the code sensingtransducers of the banks 128 and 129 to sense the track locating codesrecorded along the strip areas 19 and 20 of the record card until aselected track of the card has been sensed or a code located apredetermined distance from such selected card is sensed whereupon acontrol signal is generated which causes the bridge assembly to stopwith the transducers 122 and 123 in alignment with a selected track ofthe recording area 11 of the card. If the code recordings on or adjacentthe selected track of the card are magnetic recordings, a single codescanning transducer 122 is projected against the track by means of thesolenoid 124 together with the primary information reproductiontransducer 123 or by means of an auxiliary solenoid if it is desired tomaintain the transducer 123 out of engagement with the selected recordtrack until a selected portion or recording thereon has been reached bythe controlled movement of the carriage 120 along the selected track. Iflocation defining or frame defining recordings are provided as seriescodes along selected portions of each of the tracks, then a singlereproduction transducer 123 may be employed to reproduce both suchlatter recordings and primary information such as document or framerecordings disposed between such code recordings and may be adapted toengage the selected track of the record member during movement of thecarriage 120 in the direction of such selected track.

The code recording strips 17 and 18 may also be scanned by thetransducer or transducers supported by the carriage 120 when the bridgesupporting the guideway 115 is properly located over or adjacent to suchlatter code strip recording areas so as to predeterminately locate thecarriage 120 in longitudinal alignment with a selected frame ofinformation existing along a selected of the tracks 12 located adistance therefrom but attainable when the bridge assembly is driven inthe direction of such selected track and the parallel code sensingtransducers of the banks 128 and 129 thereof sense the track locatingand indicating codes recorded along the code strip portions 19 and 20 ofthe record member 10.

If a computer is utilized which is programmed to track and alwaysdetermine the location of the carriage and transducer 123 with respectto a record member aligned on and supported against the upper surface130 of the table 112, such computer may be utilized to control theoperation of the motors 117 and 125 to properly drive the bridge and thecarriage 120 from any location along their respective-guideways to aselected location whereby the primary information transducer 123 ispositioned for transducing with respect to a selected portion of aselected track of the record card and is drivable thereafter in thedirection of the selected track and along a portion thereof containingselected information or adapted to receive and have recorded thereonexternally generated selected information.

The guides 143 and 143A as well as similar guides 146 and 146A securedrespectively to the endless belt 141 and 145 of the in-feed and outgoingconveyors 140 and 144 are preferably strip-like formations of said beltsor strips secured thereto which extend parallel to each other and arespaced apart the width of a card to provide alignment of the cardbetween such strip-like formations. If such card alignment is attainedwhen the card is fed to the upper surface 130 of the table 112 and isattained during driving movement of the card along such upper surface,then, if the guideway 115 is properly aligned across the table 112, thecarriage will be driven in a path to cause the transducer or transducerssupported thereby to scan parallel to the parallel tracks 12 of thecard. If such alignment is not attained and misalignment occurs, it willbe necessary to realign the card on the upper surface 130 between theguides 131 and 132 by means of a suitable power operated device whichfrictionally or by means of suction, engages either the bottom surfaceor upper surface of the card and properly moves same in a manner tocorrect for such skew or by power rotating the central portion of thetable mounting and supporting the card with respect to the main portionthereof by means of a controlled motor which receives control signalsfrom a computer which processes the code signals generated by the banks128 and 129 of sensors which scan and sense the codes of the code stripareas 19 and 20 of the card disposed on the table.

Illustrated in FIG. 5A is a modified form of scanning device 136supported by the lateral guideway or bridge 115, which device 136contains a bank 137 of magnetic pick-up transducers 138 adapted to scana code strip area 20M by sliding contact therewith to detect parallelbit binary codes recorded there-along as magnetic recordings of datadefining respective tracks of the parallel record tracks of the card 10aligned on the table 112. A similar bank of magnetic transducers mayalso be supported by the carriage 120A of FIG. 5 and projectablethere-from from a retracted position into engagement with one of theparallel code tracks extending normal to code strip or track 20M,equivalent for example to tracks 17 and 18 of FIG. 1, to position theprimary information transducer or transducers 123 in alignment withselected frames of the selected parallel tracks to be scanned and toselectively reproduce frame signals or record such signals alongs suchselected frame locations.

It is noted that such magnetic transducing means for sensing magneticcodes defining track and frame locations may be operable to sensemagnetic codes defined by signals magnetically recorded along the stripareas equivalent to areas 17-20 of FIG. 1 or recordings defined byembossed cavities or protrusions formed when the record member is firstformed which cavities or protrusions define parallel codes or markswhich are magnetically detectable by transducing as a result of magneticvariations they effect in the magnetic field defined by magnetizing thestrip areas 17-20 with a constant magnetic field which is locally variedin intensity to the scanning reproduction transducers by the pits and/orcavities.

FIG. 6 illustrates a support and transducing assembly for scanningmagnetic record members of the type illustrated in FIG. 1-3 butcontaining parallel record tracks 12R which are circular inconfiguration and extend across the central portion of the record cardinwardly of the rectangular frame defined by the parallel code strips,such as code strips 17-20 of FIG. 1, which circumscribe the centralrecording area.

The apparatus 250 includes an upper table 252 supported on a mount 257which also supports the ends of an in-feed conveyor 280 and an outgoingconveyor 290 which respectively operates to feed rectangular recordcards to the central portion 252A of the table which is bordered byraised lateral portions 253 and 254 having inner walls which arespace-separated from each other the width of a record card 10A fedthereto.

The conveyor belt 281 of the in-feed conveyor 280 is shown having itslateral edge portions containing raised formations which arespace-separated from each other the width of a card and which serve toproperly align a record card thereon and to feed such record card inalignment with and between a plurality of powered rollers, two of which258' and 258 are illustrated in FIG. 6 and are connected by means of ashaft 256. The space between the end of the belt-conveyor 280 and theend of the table 252 preferably contains a plate 255 which is properlyshaped and disposed to guide the record card between powered rollers258' and 258 and a third larger powered roller may be employed at thecenter of the shaft 256 to first receive and drive the record card fromthe belt 281 to the upper surface of the central portion of the table252 and continue to drive such card until it is centrally disposedagainst such upper surface as illustrated, and engaged by a plurality ofpowered rolls, one of which 260 is illustrated and is rotationallysupported on a shaft 259 at the other end of the table. By properlydriving the card beneath such powered roll and controlling the motorsrotating same, a card may be engaged thereby and maintained in a flat,slightly taut condition against the upper surface of the central portionof the table 252. Once such alignment and positioning of the card hasbeen attained, a transducer head assembly 267 containing one or moretransducers 269 and supported at the end of a precision ground elongatedshaft or track 265, is driven thereon into alignment with a selectedcircular record track of the card disposed along the central portionthereof. The elongated shaft 265 is slidably supported to be driventhrough a lineal bearing supported within a housing 262, which housingis pivotally supported on a mount 261 which is supported against theside wall of the main support 257. Such housing 262 and the shaft 265supported thereby is controllably rotated about a pivot by means of asuitable reversible gear motor 263 supported thereby. A solenoid orlineal actuator 268 supported by the mount 267 for the transducer 269operates to project a retracted transducer into engagement with theupper surface of a card 10A when the shaft 265 has been selectivelyextended to position the transducer 269 in alignment with a selectedcircular track of the card. Once the transducer 269 has been soprojected, the motor 263 may be automatically controlled to operate andpivot the housing 262 and the shaft 265 in an arc permitting thetransducer to scan a selected track of the card. If a precision resolveror angle indicator is operable to generate signals indicative of thedegree of rotation of the housing 262 on its mount, and such signals arefed to a computer, the computer may generate a control signal for bothcontrolling the solenoid 268 to project the transducer 269 from themount 267 into engagement with a selected portion of the selected trackof the card to maintain such engagement to permit information to berecorded along such selected track portion or reproduced therefrom untilthe selected track portion has been completely scanned by suchtransducer, after which the transducer may be automatically retractedoff the track.

The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6 may be operated by preciselyaligning the record card containing circular record tracks preciselylocated on the card, on the upper surface of the central portion of thetable 252 and generating signals by scanning suitable marks or gratingsextending along the shaft 265 and by scanning a circular array ofrecordings or gratings provided on the scanning disc of a precisionresolver which is power rotated or has scanning transducers rotated bythe motor 263 so as to generate signals defining the polar coordinatesof the location of the shaft 265.

If the record card 10A contains a series of circular magnetic recordtracks which extend parallel to each other across the recording area ofthe card, each of the tracks may have recorded thereon series coderecordings between primary information recordings, which code recordingsmay be detected by the same transducer 269 which scans and detects theprimary information recordings and may be utilized to generateelectrical code signals which are analyzed by the computer controllingthe scanning operation for controlling the degree of rotation of theshaft 265 and the operation of solenoid 268 to project the transducer269 against the selected track or to project a code scanning transduceradjacent thereto against a code containing track adjacent thereto.

Also illustrated in FIG. 6 is a flexible cable 271 containing wiresextending to one or more of the transducers supported by the transducinghead mount 267 and to the solenoid 268 for properly powering andcontrolling same. The cable 271 extends to a self winding retainer 272supported by the housing 262 to maintain such cable taut at all times asthe shaft 265 is driven in either direction. A stop 266 at the end ofshaft 265 limits its travel through housing 262.

In FIG. 7 is shown details of an electronic control system denoted 150for controlling an apparatus of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 duringoperations of selectively reproducing frame signals or messages fromselected frame recording locations of selected parallel tracks of arecord card of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

In FIG. 7, it is assumed that one or more sources of suitable electricalenergy are connected to the proper sides of all of the electricaldevices and sub-systems to permit them to properly function asdescribed, such source or sources being generally defined by notation151.

Assuming that a record card 10 is properly aligned and located on theupper surface of the central portion of the transducing apparatus 100 ofFIG. 5, and contains one or more digital or analog frame recordingsprovided on one or more tracks thereof, selective operation of thebridge crane and the carriage for the transducer mount as well as thetransducer supported thereby, in order to effect the selectivereproduction of a selected video frame signal or signals from the recordmember, may be effected by computer controlling the motors driving thebridge crane along the guides provided for such purposes in a directionwhich is normal to the direction of the parallel tracks 12 of the recordmember and also controlling operation of the motor driving the carriagealong the bridge crane track. Such transducer transport control iseffected by means of control signals which are generated and arecontrolled in their generation by means of a microelectronic computer ormicroprocessor 153 which is operated through a driver 154 according toinstructions which are preprogrammed in its program memory 155, whichmay comprise a read-only-memory or ROM, or such program may be enteredin such memory by means of an operator selectively operating the encodedkeys of a keyboard 156. Also provided in FIG. 7 is a programmable memory157 adapted to receive and store signals generated by the keyboard 156or one or more remote signal generators to be described. Microprocessor153 may comprise any general purpose microprocessor, such as the Intel8086 microelectronic processor or similar digital signal electronicprocessor having the same or greater capacity.

Signals generated by the magnetic record-playback transducer ortransducers 122 in scanning the selected recording are transferred to aplayback or reproduction electronic circuit 158 through a transmissiongate 159 which has been toggled by a signal from the controlmicroprocessor 153 through an inverter 160. Such microprocessorgenerated signal simultaneously toggles a transmission gate 161 to anoff-state so that the record playback transducer 122 is exclusivelyenergized in the playback mode during a reading cycle, The output of theplayback electronic circuit 158 is converted to digital signals whichare representative of the information recorded on the record card 10,which information may consist of data representing digital charactersand/or pixel color and brightness information which is passed to adecoder 162 from the playback electronic circuit 158, the output ofwhich decoder extends to an input of the microprocessor 153. Themicroprocessor 153 transfers such video information through charactersignal generator 163 to one input of an AND gate 164 when a true signalfor such character information is provided by the microprocessor 153 tothe other input to the AND gate 164. The character or brightness signalsare passed from the output of the AND gate 164 to one input of an ORgate 165, the output of which OR gate extends to a refresh memory orbuffer 166 for storing such signals and providing them on an outputthereof at a fixed frequency when needed, to generate a still imagedisplay on a display screen of the video terminal, such as a cathode raytube.

In the event that the information which is reproduced from the card isimage information other than character information, such imageinformation signals are passed through the microprocessor 153 to an ANDgate 167 and therefrom through OR gate 165 to the refresh memory orbuffer 166 and generated thirty times per second on the output thereof.In such mode of operation AND gate 164 is deactivated when it does notreceive a true signal from the microprocessor or computer 153 and thesecond AND gate 167 is activated by such a true signal received from themicroprocessor 153 and passed to an inverter 168 connected to aswitching input of the AND gate 167.

Sequencing control of the microprocessor 153, including operationalsynchronization, is provided by means of a clock oscillator 169 havingan attendant stable, accurate feedback electronic circuit 170. Theoutput of oscillator 169 is passed to microprocessor 153 and is alsoinput to a devider 171, the output of which is of a frequency andparameter suitable for synchronizing the operation of the video display173 and a video camera 174 which may be employed to generate full-framevideo picture signals for recording on the card. The output of divider171 is also applied as a synchronization signal for controlling theoperation of the character generator 163 and a sync signal generator172. Sync generator 172 provides vertical and horizontal sync signalsfor controlling the operation of the display or cathode ray tube of themonitor 173. Memory 166 is scanned by signals received from themicroprocessor 153 to provide output signals recorded therein at a fixedfrequency, such as thirty times per second, which are converted toanalog video signal form by a digital-to-analog converter 175, whichanalog signals are frequency and/or amplitude expanded by means of asignal expander 176 which is employed to compensate for signalcompression which may have been employed during the recording of thereproduced information. The output of signal expander 176 is input tothe monitor 173 as a repeating compatible full-frame video picturesignal representative of either the frame of characters generated by thecharacter generator 163 or defining color and intensity or luminescenceinformation representing the image frame information stored in thememory 166.

It is noted that the operation of selectively reproducing a frame ofvideo or display information from a selected track of a record card maybe accomplished during movement of the reproduction transducer 122 ineither direction with respect to a record track of a card or sheetrecord member 10. To accomplish this mode of operation during eitherforward or reverse travel of the transducer with respect to the recordcard, a recordable playback frame memory 177, such as an integratedcircuit solid state memory, magnetic bubble memory or the like, isprovided for receiving digital signals output by decoder 162 through themicroprocessor 153 to be recorded sequentially at selected memorylocations thereof as determined by an address pointer 178 such as anup-down counter. The direction of counts, up or down, and the clockingof the count of the pointer 178 is under the control of themicroprocessor 153. In the forward reading mode, the signals definingthe frame of information, are first loaded into the memory 177 andrecorded therein. Thereafter such frame signals are addressed andrecorded in memory 166 in the manner previously described.

In the reverse reading mode, a memory 174M is similarly loaded orrecorded but is addressed in descending memory position order whereinthe reverse location order stored information is transferred by means ofa microprocessor 153 to the memory 166 as previously described.

Also included in system 150 is a sub-system 300 which is employed tocontrol the positioning of magnetic head 122 with respect to a selectedtrack of the card 10. A sub-system 400, is employed to control thepositioning of head 122 to align it with a selected track of the card 10to permit it to thereafter reproduce information recorded along aselected portion of such selected track. A further sub-system 500 isemployed to provide synchronization of the bit patterns reproduced fromthe selected recorded frame. All three sub-system, 300, 400 and 500, areinteractively controlled by means of the microcomputer or microprocessor153.

During the mode of recording character information, such as alphanumeric information, on selected tracks of the card 10, appropriatecommand signals are generated and entered by means of selectivelyoperating keys of keyboard 156, which generate code signals which areinterpreted by the microprocessor 153 according to instructions providedin memories 155 and/or 157, so as to provide a sequence of operations,viz:

The desired alpha numeric data subsequently entered by means ofselective operation of the keys of keyboard 156, is stored, in a workspace memory 179. Such data is also transferred, by means of charactergenerator 166, AND gate 164 and OR gate 165 to refresh-memory 166 and isthereafter displayed on the monitor 173 as indicated above during areading sequence. This allows the operator of the system 150 to reviewsuch entered data and to make corrections interactively by means ofkeyboard 156 and microprocessor 153 as necessary. When the data isentered and verified, a further command entered on the keyboard 156 isemployed to instruct the microprocessor 153 to transfer such data fromthe workpiece memory 179 to a record encoder 180. The encoded dataoutput by the encoder 180 is an appropriately modulated digitalrecording provided along a selected portion of the card 10 by means ofrecording electronics 181. The output of a recording electronic circuit181 is transferred to the record-playback head 122 by means of atransmission gate 161 and is subsequently recorded on a selected portionof a selected track of card 10. In such mode, the gate 161 has beentoggled by means of a true record signal from the microprocessor 153.

For the recording of video frame information, a television camera 174 isprovided, the output of which is applied to a signal compressor 182 soas to enhance recording signal-to-noise ratio or reduce bandwidth noiseratio. Such output is converted to digital form in an analog-to-digitalconverter and the digitized video signal output of the converter ispassed through microprocessor 153 to a memory 179 and to a buffer orrefresh memory 166 and, after passing through gate 165 or 167, appliedto video monitor 173 to generate a display on the display screenthereof. When a complete frame has been composed, the operatorselectively operates the keys of keyboard 156 to generate recordingcodes which are utilized thereafter to cause the microprocessor 153 tocontrol the transfer of the contents of memory 179 to a record--encodercontroller 180 which controls the apparatus to effect recording of theframe information signals on a selected portion of a selected track asdescribed.

The recording of a video image or character information may also beeffected during relative motion between the magnetic recording head 122and a card in either direction. To effect such bidirectional recordingoperation, a memory 177 having an address sorter 178 is interposed inthe data stream between the workspace memory 179 and a recording encoder180 wherein said memory operates in the manner described above foreffecting a message or frame signal reading operation in eitherdirection.

Data stream "start" and "termination" codes are provided at thebeginning and end of each frame or message recording and are composed soas to be indicative of whether the recorded information is imageinformation derived, for example, from the output of a television cameraor character information derived from a keyboard, computer or characterreading apparatus. Such coded information may be added to the recordeddata as signals derived from the microprocessor 153 which signals may bein the form of codes to be so recorded or control signals forcontrolling the encoder 180, to generate the proper recording signals.Thus, during the playback of information picked up from the selectedportion of the selected track of a record card, the microprocessor 153is operable to recognize such code signals in accordance with itsprogramming and to provide control signals for controlling the operationof AND gates 164 and 167 to perform the functions described in effectingthe generation of the desired video displays.

While only a single record-playback transducer is illustrated, amultiplicity of such transducers may be employed so as to increase thedata transfer rate. Such function may be effected by replicating thecircuit illustrated which includes transducer head 122, gates 161 and159, inverter 160, recording electronics 181, playback electronics 158,decoder 162 and encoder 180. It is also noted that the recording andreproduction functions may be divided between respective recording andreproduction heads but, by employing a single head for effecting bothfunctions, head alignment problems may be reduced.

An input-output interface 182 is also provided which permitsinterconnection of system 150 to a remote computer denoted 183. Thuscharacter data or image information derived from a television camera andreproduced from the record card by means of system 150, may betransmitted to computer 183. Conversely, data or video pictureinformation stored in the computer 183 may be transmitted therefrom tobe recorded on a record card by means of the recording elements of thesystem 150. Also, system 150 may interact with or be programmed bysignals received from the remote computer 183.

In FIG. 8 is shown electronic components of a sub-system 300 which isoperable for selectively aligning a record card and one or more magnetictransducers utilizing an apparatus of the type illustrated in FIG. 5. Amicroprocessor 153 provides a code signal which is representative of aselected track or frame location and such code signal is applied to adigital magnitude comparator 301, such as a bit comparator, while a bankof electro-optical or magnetic sensors 129 reads the pre-recordedlocation defining track or tracks provided on the record card which isdisposed on the support and converts such pre-recorded codes toelectrical signals. Such electrical code signals are amplified in anamplifier 302, filtered thereby if necessary and output to a multi-bitlatch 303 and also to a threshhold detector 304. When any input to thethreshhold detector 304 exceeds a preset reference level which is set bya reference generator 305, detector 304 causes a pulse to be generatedon the output of a pulse generator 306 which sets the outputs of latch303 to the bit input pattern which is output by amplifier 302. Thus theset output of latch 303, which corresponds to the particular track-ortrack location of the card 10 which is aligned with the transducer head122, defines the code input to the magnitude comparator 301. If thetrack which is aligned with the transducer head is detected by the codescanning heads and determined to exceed the code of the selected track,comparator 301 outputs a control signal to motor directional reversalswitches 307 and 308, which may comprise mechanically connected magneticclutches, and which determine the direction of rotation of motors 309and 310 which respectively operate drive rolls 135 and 135A which drivethe card along the platform 132 beneath the bridge 115, effectpositional alignment of the card on the platform and, in one mode ofoperation, X-directional alignment of the head 122 with the selectedtrack of the card. Such motors 309 and 310 may comprise synchronous ACmotors. Thus, suitable relative motion between the magnetic head and thecard to attain alignment between the head and a selected track of thecard, may be effected regardless of what relative positioning iseffected between the head and the card prior to effecting suchalignment.

Motor 310 derives operational power from a fixed frequency oscillator311 through a motor driver 312 when a switch 308 is closed. Motor 309derives operational power from a voltage controlled oscillator 313,having a quiescent frequency similar to that of oscillator 311. Thusboth motors rotate at substantially the same speed. Card 10 is thustranslated with respect to head 22 in the direction controlled by thecomparator 301 until the selected track of a card is aligned with thehead or the head is translated in such direction by movement of thebridge crane to effect such selective alignment.

As card 10 is moved relative to head 122, track parallelism may bemaintained as follows:

At any instant the code signals output by the sensor banks 129 and 129Aare simultaneously compared to determine if they simultaneously scan thesame code recordings which are provided at the ends of each of therecord tracks of the card and which, if they are the same, indicate thatthe card is properly aligned on the table with the parallel tracksthereof extending parallel to the axis along which the magnetictransducer supporting carriage of the bridge travels. In other words,the instant track position code sensed by the sensors of bank 129 andoutpost by latch 303 are input to a digital magnitude comparator 315,simultaneously as the sensors of bank 129A sense the track positioncodes along the opposite code recording track of the card. Such lattercodes are amplified and filtered by a multi-channel sense amplifier 316having outputs which extend to a multi-bit latch 317 and to a threshholddetector 318. When any input of detector 318 exceeds a preset levelwhich is generated by a reference generator 319, such detector 318conveys a set pulse through a pulse generator 320 to latch 317transferring the sensed track code to the output of said latch, theoutput of which extends to the other inputs of the magnitude comparator315 which provides a digital differential signal which is indicative ofthe relative magnitudes of the codes sensed by-the sensors of thesensing banks 129 and 129A, which signals are transmitted to adifferential amplifier 321. The amplifier 321 provides an output whichis indicative of the magnitude of the difference between the codesoutput by the sensor banks 129 and 129A. A negative feedback circuit 322is provided in circuit with the amplifier 321 and contains asufficiently long time constant to prevent oscillations about anequilibrium state. The output of amplifier 32 is applied to control theprecise frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator 313. Thus, byvarying the frequency of voltage controlled oscillator 313, a precisecontrol is effected of the drive speed of motor 309 and such speed maybe relatively controlled with respect to the speed of motor 310, whichis fixed, thereby providing precise control of the parallelism betweenthe parallel tracks of the card 10 and the bridge crane guide for thecarriage supporting the magnetic transducer head or heads 122.

When the card 10 is properly aligned on its support and the selectedtrack position code output by the microprocessor 153 is similar to thatoutput by the latch 303 defining coincidence in the code comparator 323,such comparator will pass a true output indicating signal to one inputof a NAND gate 324. Simultaneously, if parallelism exists as indicatedabove, the code generated by the microprocessor 153 will match the codeoutput from latch 317 at code comparator 325 and such latter comparatorwill output a true signal to the other input of NAND gate 324. When bothinputs to gate 324 are true, the output of gate 324 is false, thusproviding a false indicating signal to a clutch driver 326 for theclutches of motors 309 and 310 which are disengaged from their outputshafts. Such clutches 328 and 329 thereby effect a braking actioneffecting predetermined alignment of the carriage track with theparallel tracks of the card defining parallelism which allowstransducing to be effected along the selected track of the card asdescribed.

In FIG. 9, an electronic control system 300 is illustrated forcontrolling the polar coordinate electro-mechanical card transducingarrangement illustrated in FIG. 6. A code indicative of the selectedcircular track of the card is generated and output by microprocessor 153to one input of a digital magnitude comparator 350. Simultaneously,sensors of a bank 351 sense prerecorded track indicating codes providedalong one or more radial tracks of the card 10A as the carriagecontaining the recording and reproduction transducers is moved outwardlyor inwardly in a radial direction parallel to such code track and thesensors thereof sensing such track codes generate output signals whichare amplified and filtered by an amplifier 352 and are conductedtherefrom to magnitude comparator 350. The relative magnitudes of thecodes generated defining the selected track and the track which is beingsensed are compared in the comparator 350 and when coincidence occursbetween such input codes, an appropriate control signal is generatedwhich is output to a direction control switch 353, such as a polarityreversing relay, to effect the proper rotational operation of drivemotor 264 which is operable to extend or retract the radial arm 265 onwhich the heads 269 and 270 are supported and to drive said headsradially with respect to the circular, concentric tracks of the card10A. Motor 264 derives its operational power from a driver 354 whichcontinues to drive such motor until the selected track location isattained by the magnetic transducing head or heads as indicated by theoutput of the code comparator 355 which outputs a true signal indicativeof such code matching or coincidence, to an inverter 356 which isconnected to operate an electro-mechanical clutch 357 which operates todisengage the drive shaft of motor 264 from the drive mechanism for arm265 terminating the radial scanning movement of arm 265 per se or incooperation with a positive action brake to insure a true stoppage ofthe arm 265 to position the head or heads supported therewith or therebyin alignment with the selected circular track. The true signal output bycomparator 355 is also passed to microprocessor 153 and acts as a flagindicative that the selected track has been attained and the armsupported transducer is aligned therewith. Such flag signal is alsoutilized by the microprocessor 153 to cause the latter to generatecontrol signals which are applied to a motor driver 358 and a directionreversal switch 359. The motor driver 358 then drives motor 263 topivotally rotate the arm 265 in a selected direction to cause thetransducer heads 269 and 270 to scan the selected track and to record onor reproduce therefrom.

The direction reversal switch 359, when operated by a signal generatedby the microprocessor 153, effects reverse driving of the motor 263 toreturn the arm 265 to a position in which the transducing heads 269 and270 are aligned with the radial code track of the card.

In FIG. 10 is shown constructional details of a control track scanningtransducer such as a magnetic or light sensitive pickup or a bank ofsuch sensors which scan frame signals or messages provided on theselected track of a card, such sub-system being denoted 500. Thepositional control track or tracks contain prerecorded magnetic orelectro-optically sensitive codes provided along border portions of acard, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, or between selected tracks of thecard. A similar code-may also be recorded along a code strip attached toor forming part of the pivotted arm 265, for use in the apparatus ofFIG. 6 or the trackway defined by the bridge 127 provided as part of thebridge crane of FIG. 5. The transducer or bank of transducers 575 scanand read signal recordings along the control track and the outputthereof is amplified and filtered by a sense-amplifier 576 and madedigitally compatible by means of a threshhold detector 570. The outputof the detector 570 is a control signal which is passed to themicroprocessor 153 and functions to synchronize the reading of data fromthe card 10 or card 10A.

In FIG. 11, an alternative construction of a control track readingapparatus is shown which provides positional feed-back signals tocalibrate the signals derived from the control tracks provided along thearm 265 or the bridge 115 with the signals generated in reading thetracks of the card. A sensor 575, amplifier 576 and threshhold detector577 function as described in the description of FIG. 10. Microprocessor153 initially provides a drive signal to the position motor 578 througha differential motor drive 579. Motor 578 then mechanically adjusts therelative position of the sensor 575 with respect to the control trackuntil suitable coincidence is achieved between the sensor 575 and thecontrol track recorders. Once such coincidence is achieved,microprocessor 153 removes its control signal applied to driver 579 andthereby stops the operation of motor 578 so as to define the calibratedposition.

In FIG. 12, details of sub-system 400 which is utilized to determine thevertical positions of the record-playback heads 122, 123 or 269, 270under the control the microprocessor 153. Light from a light source 401such as a light emitting diode, is conducted along a fiber optic lightpipe 402 which is supported by and terminates on the underside of amounting block 403. Block 403 is attached to the mount or support 121for the transducer. Affixed to the end of the light pipe 402 is a shortfocal length lens 402A, which lens may be a molded portion of the fiber402. Also supported by block 403 are three additional light pipes 404,405 and 406 which are linearly arranged as shown and protrude throughthe block 403. Light pipes 404, 405 and 406 each conduct light fromtheir fields to respective photoelectric detectors, such asphototransistors, denoted 407, 408 and 409.

During operation, microprocessor 153, after establishing properhead-to-card relative horizontal positioning, in the manner previouslydescribers toggles a bi-directional switch 410 to allow a differentialamplifier solenoid driver 411 to provide drive signals for solenoid 124which solenoid begins to advance the head assembly 121 toward the card10.

Initially, the distance between block 403 and the card 10 is relativelygreat and the area of the card 10 illuminated by light passing throughlens 402A is reflected to fibers 404 and 405. As the distance betweenblock 403 and the card 10 decreases, the area being illuminated by suchlight shrinks in size as focus is approached and eventually is confinedto an area scanned only by fibers 405 and 406. The physical arrangementis such that, when a predetermined scanning height or distance isachieved, the illuminated area is in perfect focus and directly beneathfiber 405 to the exclusion of areas scanned by fibers 404 and 406.

The outputs of photosensors 407, 408 and 409 are respectively amplifiedby sense amplifiers 412, 413 and 414. The outputs of amplifiers 412 and413 extend to the inputs of an AND gate 415, the output of which drivesa non-inverting input of a differential amplifier 411 which is operableto control the advancement of the shaft of solenoid 124 by providing anincreasing bias signal to such solenoid through a switch 410. If thedistance between the card 10 and the block 403 becomes too small,amplifiers 413 and 414 will have true outputs since the illuminated areaof the card will increase in size due to defocusing therefor light willbe received by optical fibers 405 and 406 but not by optical fiber 404.Thus both inputs to AND gate 416 will be true and the signal outputthereby will drive the inverting input to amplifier 411 which will thendecrease the bias on this solenoid 124 through switch 410. A negativefeedback circuit 417 is also provided and is connected to thedifferential amplifier 411 which has a time constant of sufficientduration so as to prevent oscillation of the shaft of the solenoid 124.

When the predetermined scanning height is achieved, only amplifier 413has a true output while amplifiers 412 and 414 have false outputs and aNOR gate 418 has a true output which output forms one input to an ANDgate 419. The other input to AND gate 419 is derived from the trueoutput of amplifier 413. When both inputs to AND gate 419 are true e.g.,when the head is positioned correctly! gate 419 sends a signal to themicroprocessor 153 which is indicative of such condition and therebyallows the microprocessor 152 to continue its sequential control aspreviously described.

System 400 is protected, in the event that lamp 401 fails, from causingthe head assembly to crash against the card 10 by means of thedeactivation of both AND gates 415 and 416, which deactivationeffectively deactivates amplifier 411 and terminates the bias onsolenoid 124.

In addition to providing suitable sources of electrical energy on theproper sides of the electrical devices and subsystems described herein,it is assume that suitable input-output bus decoding circuitry is alsoprovided, where necessary, to effect proper interfacing of the devicesand subsystems-which interface with the microprocessor 153.

Additional forms of the instant, invention are noted as follows:

1. A record member such as a magnetic record card of the type described,disc, drum or tape may have one surface thereof coated with a polymerwhich is sensitive to ultraviolet light either when developed or inundeveloped portions thereof, wherein such developed or undevelopedportions of the coating film are developed or contain digital coderecordings of binary codes which indicate either or both the nature ofthe primary information they are recorded over or adjacent to, or trackand frame locations as described or both. Ultraviolet light is employedas the source 41L to flood the code strip(s) disposed along or adjacentthe tracks 12 of FIGS. 1 and 3 or directly above each record track ofthe record card and the photodetector or detectors supported adjacent orin direct alignment with the transducer tip 45 or forming part of saidtip may be employed to scan and detect such ultraviolet sensitiverecordings end generated output signals which are used to preciselyposition the transducer-with respect to the selected track orinformation recorded on the card,

2. The tracks 12 may contain primary information such as document orvideo picture signals recorded in the form of micro-pits, cavities orprotrusions 0.6 to 1.0 or more microns wide and 0.2 to 1.0 or greaterdeep as described above and embossed or beam recorded along such trackswherein the pits are either provided in a laminate structure of suchultraviolet sensitive film coating a suitable thermoplastic base of thetype employed in videodiscs or the entire record member or recordinglayer is made of such ultraviolet sensitive material as described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,308,327 for example, and such ultraviolet material maycontain digital code recordings of either or both location andinformation indicating signals or certain primary information signalsper se along with signals indication same or its grid location. Suchrecordings may be effected between and/or over the cavity recordings oradjacent thereto.

3. The code strip areas 17-20 of the magnetic card 10 may be formed withparallel codes or track marker location indicia when the card or recordmember is formed prior to the recording of primary information, such asfull-frame video picture or character signals, on the primaryinformation tracks 12. Such codes may be formed by means of a die ormold embossing or molding same in the surface stratum of the card orrecord member or by means of a computer controlled and deflectioncontrolled laser or electron beam or beams intersecting the code striptracks or areas while the card or sheet 10 is in motion or stationary.The recordings may be microcavities or pits.

4. The code strip areas 17-20 may also be provided as magneticrecordings of parallel codes or location marker signal recordings bymagnetically transferring such recordings from a master sheet, plate ordrum in contact with the record member 10 during such transfer andrecording. Such magnetic transfer of code recordings may be effectedwhile the record member 10 and master are stationary or in relativemoving contact such as by driving the two between compression rollers orproviding the master as a magnetic drum containing such recordingsaround its periferal surface.

5. The card 10 may be edge coded for automatic and rapid scanning toattain acces from a stacked array of such cards by die-cutting aselected edge or edges of the card with notches, the lengeth, number andspacings of which determine codes which may be photo-optically scannedwith a photodetector or bank of such detectors or magnetically detectedby one or more magnetic heads scanning the edges of cards in a stack.One or more edges of a card may also be embossed or otherwise formedwith the described microcavities or microprotrusions formed as parallelcodes capable of being scanned and detected by photoelectric or magnetictransducers forming part of an automatic card retrieval system in whichcards containing video frame signals recorded along tracks thereof maybe accessed automatically and either automatically or manually fed tocard reading apparatus of the types shown in the drawings to attaineither or both reproduction or recording access to selected portions ofselected record tracks as described herein.

6. The card retaining and prepositioning platforms of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6may have their central portions recessed while the lateral edges of acard are gripped to maintian the card fixed and predeterminatelypositioned thereon to permit the central portion of each card, such astrack containing area 11, to deflect when a transducer is broughtthereagainst and prevent damage to head and card due to head crashing ifit should occur. A deflectable resilient rubber pad may also besupported beneath the central portion 11 of each card and attached tothe platform or table in a rectangular recess therein to permityieldable deflection of the center of each card to the force of atransducer when it engages the card while the longitudinal borderportions of the card are held by wheel or gripper means which engagesthe card once it is properly aligned on the table or platform.

7. The record tracks 12 of the record card 10 may also containmicrocavities or pits embossed to formed therein with a pulsed laserbeam and defining frames of video information which is digitallyrecorded along such tracks in tandem array as described and adapted tobe read by photo-optical and laser beam means to generate frame videosignals which may be employed as described to generated frames of videopicture information on a video display such as a cathode ray tube. Inother words, the recording and/or reproduction transducers of FIGS. 3, 5and 6 may also comprise one or more lasers and/or photoelectric tellswhich are caused to become energized when they scan past selectedportions of selected tracks of a card when the transducers aretransported as described to and along the selected tracks of a card.

8. The magnetic record card 10 may be manually or automatically wrappedaround and made to conform completely or partly to a cylindrical supportto define an arcuate or cylindrically shaped record member containingcircular or semi-circular record tracks which may be scanned by one ormore transducers while either the cylindrical support is rotated torotate the circular record tracks past the transducer(s) which may belongitudinally driven within or exterior of the cylindrical support tolocat the magnetic head or transducer(s) in alignment with selectedrecord tracks, or whil the cynlindrical support is maintained stationaryand the transducer(s) is rotated on an arm within or exterior of thecylindrically deformed card to scan selected circular tracks thereof. Itis noted that either the cylindrical support for the card or therotatable support for the transducer(s) may be driven axially andcontrolled in such axial movement to position the transducer scanningrecorded frame information into alignment with the track of the cardcontaining such selected frame or frame location. Such controlledlongitudinal positioning of the transducer and the card may be effectedby a bank of photoelectric detectors which are supported by the shaftsupporting the transducer scanning the record tracks 12 but notrotatable with said shaft, wherein such transducers are operable to scanthe codes of either of the tracks 19 or 20 to provide feedback signalsfor activating the rotating transducer while it is aligned with aselected track of the card to record on and/or reproduce from suchselected track or a portion thereof containing or defining a selectedvideo frame of the type described. In another form of the inventiontrack selection and transducer positioning may be effected by feedbackmarker signals generated in scanning marker recordings provided alongthe shaft supporting the transducer(s) which reads the informationtracks 12.

9. The hereinbefore described apparatus which is illustrated in thedrawings and the modifications thereto de scribed above may be stillfurther modified to effect magnetic recordings on and reproductions fromother forms of record members such as other forms of magnetic cards,magnetic discs or tapes which contain electro-optical code recordings oftypes described, which are electro-optically scannableby means asdescribed and illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3, 5, 5A, 6 and 9-12.Such electro-optically scannable code recordings may be prerecorded bymolding microcavities defining same in select portions of the magneticcard, disc or tape adjacent to and/or in alignment with select single orgroups of (parallel) magnetic recording tracks of the card, disc or tapeas described, to indicate, when electro-optically scanned and reproducedby scanning means including one or more lasers and one or morephotoelectric detectors, the precide locations of select record tracksof the magnetic tape, disc or card and, in certain instances, theprecise locations of select portions of each magnetic record track alongwhich locations select digital and/or analog data may be recorded andselectively reproduced therefrom by magnetic transducing means of thetypes described and illustrated in the drawings. In other words, suchelectro-optically scannable code recordings may be provided in one ormore formats including (a) along a line or track which is normal to amagnetic record track or a group of parallel record tracks of the tape,disc or card to indicate the precise location of data recordedlongitudinally along such magnetic track or tracks, (b) along a singlerecord track which extends parallel to and at the side of one or moreparallel magnetic record tracks of the tape, disc or card, (c) along asingle line or track extending parallel to and immediately above amagnetic record track containing, or adapted to have magneticallyrecorded therealong primary information such as data for use by acomputer or (d) along a plurality of parallel lines or tracks extendingimmediately above and parallel to one or more magnetic record tracks. Inthe latter two record structures, the code defining cavities or pits maybe compression or injection molded in either a layer of magneticrecording material composed of magnetic particles of ferrite or chromiumdioxide in a binder of suitable formable plastic resin or in a thin filmof such resin coated above a magnetic recording material defining thetape, disc or card or a coating thereon. Such electro-opticallyscannable cavities or codes may be so recorded at very high density asto permit the precise location and scanning of primary data on one ormore magnetic record tracks adjacent thereto wherein such primary datamay be more closely recorded along parallel record tracks which arecloser to each other than the record tracks of conventional magnetictape and discs, such as flexible magnetic discs. Recording density maybe extended to an even great degree when certain or all of theelectro-optically scannable data and track locating codes are recordedin a layer directly above the magnetic recording layer containing theprimary data recordings providing space for a greater number of magneticrecording tracks along the space of the record member which wouldordinarily be required to accomodate the electro-optically scannablecode recordings. In order to permit magnetic recordings to be made anddetected beneath the plastic layer defining the recording arrangementsof (c) and (d) above, such layer will preferably be less than 0.0005" inthickness. While the tape, disc or card substrates may comprise flexibleor rigid plastic materials, such as employed in conventional flexiblemagnetic tape or flexible magnetic recording discs, they may alsocomprise a thin sheet of magnetically recordable metal alloy or ceramicmaterial.

If the data frame indicating markers or microcavity defining codes areformed in the outer layer of a magnetic recording material coated on acard, disc or tape substrate, they may also be detected by a magneticpickup or a bank of magnetic reproduction transducers ridingthereagainst if all domains of the magnetic recording layer immediatelyadjacent the cavities or pits are in alignment to permit the head orheads to generate an output signal which varies when a cavity orcavities are scanned thereby, wherein such variations may be detected byelectronic circuit means.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for recording information comprising:(a)employing a record member having a substrate, a layer containingdeformable magnetic recording material, and deformations of therecording material at select positions of said layer, includingpositions along at least two intersecting locator tracks, whichdeformations along said locator tracks define a plurality ofelectro-optically scannable codes indicative of any recording locationof the magnetic recording layer; (b) electro-optically scanning saidcodes and generating first electrical signals; (c) reproducing selecteddata from a memory as second electrical signals; and (d) employing saidfirst signals to magnetically record said second electrical signals atselected of said select recording locations, including magneticallyrecording at least a portion of said selected data on the same surfaceand at the same locations as selected of said deformations.
 2. A methodin accordance with claim 1 wherein said operation (a) comprisesemploying a record member comprised of a composite mixture of magneticrecording particles and a resinous compound.
 3. A method in accordancewith claim 2 wherein operations (a) and (b) include employing a recordmember having said deformations molded therein before recording saiddata signals.
 4. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein said moldeddeformations include protrusions.
 5. A method in accordance with claim 3wherein said molded deformations include cavities.
 6. A method inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said operation (a) includes utilizing arecord member having a protective overcoating on a surface of saiddeformable layer.
 7. A method in accordance with claim 1 whereinoperation (a) includes employing a record member having a plurality ofparallel tracks on said layer.
 8. A method in accordance with claim 7wherein said parallel tracks are arrayed in a rectangular shape.
 9. Amethod in accordance with claim 8 wherein said deformations are locatedadjacent to at least two outer edges of said record member.
 10. A methodin accordance with claim 7 wherein some of said deformations are locatedat predetermined locations relative to each of said parallel tracks, andwherein operation (d) includes employing said first electrical signalsgenerated from said electro-optically scannable codes to identify thelocation of a selected track.
 11. A method in accordance with claim 7wherein one of said locator tracks is perpendicular to said parallelrecording tracks.
 12. A method in accordance with claim 7 whereinrecording includes arranging said second electrical signals in aplurality of parallel tracks are circular in configuration.
 13. A methodin accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said locator tracksis also a recording track of said record member.
 14. A method inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said recording operation includesmagnetically recording said data signals as digital bits.
 15. A methodin accordance with claim 1 further comprising later:(e) effectingcontrolled relative motion between said deformations and an apparatushaving a magnetic transducer and an electro-optical scanner; (f)scanning selected of said deformations with said electro-optical scannerduring said relative motion to generate third electrical signals; and(g) employing said third electrical signals to cause said magnetictransducer to scan selected of said recording locations to reproducesecond electrical signals recorded at said selected locations.
 16. Amethod for recording and reproducing information comprising:(a)magnetically recording data at a multitude of recording locations on arecording surface at predetermined positions relative toelectro-optically scannable deformations of said surface, includingrecording at least a portion of said data on the same surface and at thesame locations as selected of said deformations; (b) effectingcontrolled relative motion between said deformations and said selectrecording locations of said recording surface and an apparatus having amagnetic reproduction transducer and an electro-optical scanner; (c)scanning selected of said surface deformations along two intersectingtracks of the recording surface with said electro-optical scanner duringsaid relative motion to generate first electrical signals; and (d)employing said first electrical signals to select any of the recordinglocations and to cause said magnetic transducer to scan said selectedrecording location to generate second electrical signals representingdata magnetically recorded there.
 17. A method in accordance with claim16 wherein recording includes storing the magnetically recorded dataalong a plurality of parallel tracks of said recording surface.
 18. Amethod in accordance with claim 17 wherein at least some of saidelectro-optically scannable deformations are located at predeterminedlocations relative to each of said parallel tracks, and whereinoperation (d) includes employing said first electrical signals generatedfrom said scanned deformations to identify the location of a selectedtrack.
 19. A method in accordance with claim 17 wherein operation (d)includes employing said first electrical signals generated from saidscanned deformations to effect the reproduction of selected magneticallyrecorded data from selected of said tracks.
 20. A method in accordancewith claim 17 wherein one of said intersecting tracks is longitudinallyaligned with at least one of said parallel tracks containingmagnetically recorded data.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 17wherein said plurality of parallel tracks are circular in configuration.22. A method in accordance with claim 17 wherein said parallel tracksare arrayed in a rectangular shape.
 23. A method in accordance withclaim 16 including predeforming said recording surface and using saiddeformations to select particular recording locations at which to recordsaid data.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein predeformingincludes creating protrusions in said recording surface.
 25. A method inaccordance with claim 23 wherein predeforming includes forming cavitiesin said recording surface.
 26. A method in accordance with claim 16wherein all of said deformations are arranged along the two intersectingtracks.
 27. A method in accordance with claim 26 wherein saiddeformations are located adjacent to at least two outer edges of saidrecording surface.
 28. A method in accordance with claim 16 wherein saidrecording operation includes magnetically recording said data as digitalbits.
 29. A method for recording information comprising:(a) employing arecord member having a substrate, a layer containing deformable magneticrecording material, and deformations of the recording material at selectpositions of said layer, which deformations define a plurality ofelectro-optically scannable codes, each code being indicative of aselect recording location along one of a plurality of recording tracks;(b) electro-optically scanning said codes and generating firstelectrical signals; (c) reproducing selected data from a memory assecond electrical signals; (d) employing said first signals tomagnetically record said second electrical signals at selected of saidselect recording locations; (e) later effecting controlled relativemotion between said deformations and an apparatus having a magnetictransducer and an electro-optical scanner; (f) scanning selected of saiddeformations positioned along two intersecting locator tracks of saidrecord member with said electro-optical scanner during said relativemotion to generate third electrical signals; (g) employing said thirdelectrical signals to cause said magnetic transducer to locate aselected recording location along any of said recording tracks; and (h)scanning said selected recording location with said magnetic transducerto reproduce second electrical signals recorded thereat.
 30. A method inaccordance with claim 29 wherein said recording operation includesrecording at least a portion of said selected data on the same surfaceand at the same locations as selected of said deformations.
 31. A methodin accordance with claim 29 wherein said recording operation includesrecording said selected data on the same surface and to at least oneside of said selected deformations.
 32. A method in accordance withclaim 29 wherein operations (a) and (b) include employing a recordmember having said deformations molded therein before recording saiddata signals.
 33. A method in accordance with claim 29 wherein saidrecording tracks are parallel and arrayed in a rectangular shape.
 34. Amethod in accordance with claim 29 wherein at least one of said locatortracks is adjacent to an outer edge of said record member.
 35. A methodin accordance with claim 29 wherein said recording tracks are circularin configuration.
 36. A method for recording and reproducing informationcomprising:(a) magnetically recording data at select recording locationsalong a recording track located on a recording surface at predeterminedpositions relative to electro-optically scannable deformations of thesurface positioned along two intersecting locator tracks of therecording surface; (b) electro-optically scanning the deformations ofthe recording surface along the intersecting locator tracks andgenerating first electrical signals; (c) employing the first electricalsignals to identify a recording location along any of the recordingtracks; and (d) magnetically scanning the identified recording locationto generate second electrical signals representing data magneticallyrecorded at the identified recording location.
 37. A method inaccordance with claim 36 wherein said locator tracks are perpendicular.38. A method in accordance with claim 36 wherein all of the deformationsare arranged along the locator tracks.
 39. A method in accordance withclaim 36 wherein at least one of the locator tracks is adjacent to anouter edge of the recording surface.
 40. A method in accordance withclaim 36 wherein part (b) includes scanning recording locations alongone of the locator tracks, such that at least a portion of the data ismagnetically recorded at the same locations as at least some of thedeformations.